Oolong

Wilting is a fundamental and critical process in tea processing that directly affects the aroma, taste, and final quality of the tea. This article will explain the wilting process in detail and explore its application in the production of different types of tea and its impact on their quality. Basic Principles of the Wilting Process Wilting, also known as “water walking,” refers to the process where freshly picked tea leaves are subjected to natural evaporation or assisted methods under specific environmental conditions. This allows the moisture content within the leaves to gradually decrease, making them softer and promoting changes in their internal chemical composition. This process aids in the formation of the tea's aroma and improvement of its flavor. Application of Wilting in Different Types of Tea The wilting process plays a crucial role in the production of various teas, but the specific methods and duration vary depending on the type of tea and the desired quality: Green Tea: The wilting process for green tea is typically shorter, aimed at gently promoting changes in the tea’s internal chemical composition to maintain its green color and fresh aroma. Black Tea: In black tea production, the wilting period is longer, which is…

A gentle breeze sweeps over the central-western part of Raoping County in Chaozhou City, where the vast sea of tea plants in Fubin Town stretches as far as the eye can see, undulating along the mountainside, and the tea fields are filled with a fresh aroma. Following winding mountain roads, the verdant tea trees gradually merge with the blue sky and white clouds, painting a beautiful summer landscape. Recently, relevant leaders of the Chaozhou Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee led a group of deputies to the people's congress and representatives from related departments to conduct the "Green and Beautiful Chaozhou - Deputies in Action" themed activity in Fubin Town, Raoping County, and Fenghuang Town, Guilu Town in Chao'an District. The focus was on a special investigation into the handling of key proposals concerning "Cultivating Tax Sources in the Tea Industry to Promote Fiscal Revenue Growth." During the event, the deputies were constantly on the move, gaining a comprehensive understanding of tea production and sales, tea tax revenue, quality control, brand promotion, and tea plant protection through site visits, listening to reports, and holding symposiums. They actively collected public opinions and fully leveraged their roles as people's congress deputies to empower…

Often people ask me which type of Tie Guan Yin is the best, what is traditional Tie Guan Yin? Which tea can be considered traditionally processed Tie Guan Yin? Recently, Nong Xiang Xing (Full Aroma) Tie Guan Yin has become very popular. What are its benefits? So, we have carefully prepared this feature, hoping you will like it!The traditionally semi-fermented Anxi Tie Guan Yin tea has been tasted by experienced tea enthusiasts in the early days. Its flavor is quite strong, and new tea enthusiasts may find it hard to appreciate at first. After roasting, the color of the tea becomes darker, turning yellow or black, but the taste is very pure. The deep golden-yellow broth is representative of the broth of full aroma type teas. The refined Tie Guan Yin needs to be made according to the standards required for traditionally semi-fermented Tie Guan Yin tea. Tie Guan Yin comes in Fresh Aroma and Full Aroma types. Depending on the degree of roasting, the Full Aroma type is further divided into lightly roasted, moderately roasted, and heavily roasted. Depending on the roasting material, it is also divided into charcoal-roasted and oven-roasted. Roasting is extremely important for full aroma type…

North America Canada Canada is the northernmost country in North America, with a land area of 9.98 million square kilometers, ranking second in the world. Canada is known as the "Land of Maple Leaves," and its capital is Ottawa. Benefiting from abundant natural resources and highly advanced technology, Canada has become one of the countries in the world with the highest quality of life, most prosperous society, and most developed economy, and is also one of the largest and most important diamond-producing countries in the world. Canadian Tea Culture Tea Drinking in Canada (image for reference) The first country in the Americas to drink tea was the United States, which also has a high consumption volume; Canada follows closely behind, being a well-known tea-drinking country in the Western Hemisphere. In Canada, the primary type of tea consumed is traditional high-quality British-style hot black tea. However, as awareness of the health benefits of green tea has increased, the habit of drinking black tea is gradually being replaced by green tea, jasmine tea, oolong tea, and other specialty teas. With the development of society, a tea culture that reflects Canada's multicultural identity has also evolved. Maple Syrup Maple Syrup Tea Maple syrup,…

Summer is a good time to expel the cold and dampness from your body. As temperatures rise, so does the humidity in the air. For those with high levels of dampness, this can be even more harmful. Do you know how to get rid of dampness? Here are some recommended teas for summer to help. Tea is not medicine, but it's a great health drink. Although tea is not medicine, different people with different constitutions should make different choices. For those with high levels of dampness, there should also be different considerations when choosing tea... What are the harms of having high levels of dampness? 1. When dampness meets cold, it becomes cold-dampness; when it meets heat, it becomes damp-heat; when it meets wind, it becomes wind-dampness. Under the skin, it causes obesity; 2. If dampness remains in the body and isn't eliminated, one may experience loose stools and unformed feces. The tongue may appear yellowish and greasy; 3. Those with high levels of dampness feel lethargic throughout the day, affecting digestive functions. They may feel heavy-headed, with limbs and waist feeling weighed down by something, making them reluctant to move; 4. Those with high levels of dampness tend to…

Brewing tea is an art that requires method. Even the finest tea cannot fully express its true flavor if brewed improperly. Only by following the correct brewing methods can one truly savor the authentic taste and enjoy a delicious cup of tea. So, how should white tea be brewed to bring out its best? How to Brew White Tea for Optimal Flavor? Techniques for Brewing White Tea! 1. Brewing Silver Needle: When brewing Silver Needle white tea, there are two key points to consider: First, the tea buds are long and delicate, so the water temperature should not be too high, around 90 degrees Celsius is ideal; second, this premium white tea is covered in fine white down, so when pouring hot water, avoid direct contact with the tea buds. Instead, pour the water along the side of the cup (or pot). This approach has two benefits: it protects the appearance of the tea buds and prevents the tea from becoming cloudy due to the release of too much down, which could affect the clarity and beauty of the tea's color. Although the Silver Needle tea leaves are slender and delicate, they are also plump and fleshy, allowing for a…

When storing tea, attention should be paid to avoiding light exposure, moisture, odors, and high temperatures. Exposure to sunlight can cause chlorophyll in the leaves to fade, darkening the color of the tea, so care should be taken to avoid light; in damp places, tea is prone to mold, so attention should be given to moisture control; tea has a strong adsorption capacity and can easily absorb odors from other objects, altering its aroma, so care should be taken to avoid odors; additionally, high temperatures can accelerate the degradation of tea, so it's important to avoid high temperatures. What Influences Should Be Noted During the Storage of Tea? I. Green Tea Storage Method: Refrigerate. If you need to store for a short period and want to drink it at any time, place green tea in the refrigerator and set the temperature to around 5°C. If the tea is unopened and you want to preserve it for over a year, then store it in the freezer. Best Time to Drink: Within 1-2 months after opening, or within one year if unopened. Points to Note: 1. You can use quicklime to absorb moisture from the tea, package it in an aluminum composite…

Master the Art of Brewing with the Right Temperature and You'll Be a Tea Connoisseur Too There are many types of tea, each with its unique flavor profile, and the water temperature used for brewing directly affects the taste and aroma of the tea. Understanding the appropriate water temperatures for different teas is key to making a great cup of tea. Whether it's green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, yellow tea, or Pu'er tea, each has its ideal brewing temperature. Let's explore the optimal brewing temperatures for various teas so that every cup you make can be a moment of pure enjoyment. Green Tea: Fresh and Natural, Tender Leaves Need Gentleness Green tea is unfermented, retaining the natural green color and fresh taste of the leaves. Due to the high content of polyphenols and vitamins in green tea, a lower water temperature is required for brewing. The Optimal Brewing Temperature for Green Tea Brewing Temperature: 75-80°C Brewing Time: 1-2 minutes Using water at 75-80°C helps avoid releasing too much bitterness from the tea while preserving its refreshing and crisp taste. The brewing time should not exceed 1-2 minutes, allowing the delicate aroma and fresh flavor of the young…

Tea does have an expiration date, which varies depending on the type of tea. If stored properly, tea not only remains fresh but can even improve in quality. Different types of tea require different storage methods. Green tea is best stored in cans with sealed refrigeration; black tea should be kept in airtight and dry containers; Oolong tea can be stored at room temperature in double-lidded containers such as tin or iron cans. How should tea be stored? During the process of storing tea, enthusiasts try every possible method to preserve its quality for as long as possible. Today, we will briefly introduce some tea storage methods that may be helpful to you. 1. Refrigerator Storage Place the tea in a container that is both dry and odor-free, then seal it and put it in the refrigerator's chill compartment. If the amount of tea is small and very dry, it can also be directly packaged and sealed using two layers of moisture-resistant film bags before being stored in the refrigerator. 2. Canning Storage Fill a double-lidded tin can with tea, ideally to capacity so there is little air inside, which helps prevent spoilage. Ensure both lids are tightly closed and…

1. Drinking tea can eliminate fatigue. After a tiring day, have a cup of tea, and you will feel relieved, from its aroma to the water sensation, massaging your tense nerves both inside and out. 2. Drinking tea can enhance your appreciation of aesthetics. Set up a tea table, arrange the items, and pair them with flowers; your sense of beauty in life will improve over time. 3. Drinking tea can freshen your breath. If you’ve had garlic for lunch and just ran out of mints, how do you handle a client meeting later? Chew on two or three tea leaves for a few minutes, then rinse your mouth with water. You’re good to go for a kiss too — if you happen to be alone, swallow it with your saliva; that works as well… 4. Drinking tea can enrich your conversation starters. Use tea as your calling card. In appropriate settings, instead of introducing your name, tell others about your favorite tea, revealing aspects of your personality and areas of expertise, creating memorable connections. Being interesting means not following the script is actually the most distinctive approach. 5. Drinking tea can reduce damage from radiation. Browsing online shops, scrolling…

Wenshan Baozhong tea is a type of Oolong (or Qing) tea from the Taiwan region and is one of the most lightly oxidized fragrant Oolong teas, with an oxidation level of 8% to 12%. Due to its light baking and fermentation process, it exhibits a fresh and uplifting aroma, hence it's also known as "Qing Cha" or "Clear Tea." This tea is produced in the northern areas of Taipei City and New Taipei City, including Wenshan and Nangang in Taipei City, and Xindian, Pinglin, Shenkeng, Shiding, Pingxi, and Xizhi in New Taipei City. It has a history spanning over two hundred years. As a representative of northern Taiwan Oolong tea, Wenshan Baozhong is renowned alongside Dongding Oolong, enjoying the reputation of "North Wenshan, South Dongding." In 1869, Oolong tea from Taiwan was successfully exported to the United States by British merchant Tod and comprador Li Chunsheng. However, in 1873, due to poor sales, merchants sent unsold stocks of Oolong tea to Fuzhou where they were processed into fragrant Baozhong tea by adding floral scents, which unexpectedly received a positive response. In 1881, Fujianese tea merchant Wu Fuyuan (also known as Wu Fulao) crossed the sea to Taiwan and established the…

Among the many types of purple clay teapots, what shape do experienced tea connoisseurs prefer? Experienced tea drinkers have sampled a wide variety of teas and naturally understand the aroma-enhancing capabilities of purple clay teapots. They collect various types of teapots, and among them, round-shaped teapots are the most frequently chosen. What are the appealing features of round-shaped purple clay teapots? 1. Easy to Handle For a tea connoisseur who enjoys sipping tea, a purple clay teapot is an object that should never be far from their hands. Whenever they have free time, they like to start brewing tea. Why do most people lean towards round-shaped teapots? After brewing tea, round-shaped teapots are easy to hold and play with. When brewing tea, hot tea water can be poured over the teapot, allowing the color of the tea to seep into the teapot. After drinking the tea, you can hold the teapot in your hand and caress it all over, which is enjoyable. Over time, the luster and water color of the teapot will become outstanding. With a square teapot, one can only admire it on the table. Square teapots have sharp edges, making them uncomfortable to hold and caress, unlike…

Why does the tea you brew always taste different from that of a tea artist? It turns out that every step, from boiling water, selecting utensils, preparing the tea leaves to brewing, can affect the infusion. Brewing tea is not only a technical skill but also requires meticulous attention. The details make or break the result. Whether the tea tastes good or not depends on whether you have paid attention to these details and methods. Boiling Water Boil water this way for better-tasting tea In his book, "The Classic of Tea," Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty described three stages of boiling water: First Boil: When the water starts bubbling like fish eyes with a gentle sound; Second Boil: When bubbles rise like a spring of pearls; Third Boil: When the water surges and waves like a rushing tide. For modern people, boil water quickly over high heat instead of slowly over low heat. When the water continuously bubbles at the second or just into the third boil, its activity is best. If boiled too long, the oxygen content decreases, reducing its activity, which we often refer to as "over-boiled" water. This negatively impacts the infusion. If using tap water,…

While Westerners love coffee, Chinese people often drink tea. Both beverages share one thing in common: no matter how rich and fragrant the coffee or how clear and refreshing the tea, they both carry a hint of bitterness. People savor this taste, relishing it endlessly. However, the difference lies in that Westerners tend to add sugar to their coffee, whereas Chinese people rarely mask the bitterness of tea. The original nature of tea is bitter, which is why it was once called “bitter tea.” To say that people have always liked this bitter beverage would be a lie. If you give a small amount of tea water to an innocent child, they will likely refuse it. Teenagers prefer cola over tea for the same reason. Before tea became a customary drink, people were naturally averse to it. For example, when ethnic minorities on the borderlands drink tea, they add milk and sugar; in West Asia and North Africa, people add mint, spices, and sugar to their tea. Essentially, these practices stem from an inability to accept its inherent bitterness. So why did Chinese people eventually tolerate and even come to like the bitterness of tea? This development involved a gradual…

The shelf life of tea refers to its optimal tasting period. However, each type of tea has different appreciation angles; for green tea, it's all about its freshness and briskness. Therefore, the back of most green tea packaging will indicate a shelf life of 18 months. This means that, under normal circumstances, after 18 months, its freshness and briskness are virtually gone. However, this does not mean that drinking it after the expiration date is unsafe. On the contrary, if stored properly, the transformation of tea over the years may pleasantly surprise you. How Long is the Shelf Life of the Six Types of Tea? Green Tea (1 year) Green tea is not fermented, making it the freshest among teas, and it is prone to oxidation upon exposure to sunlight and air. The optimal tasting period for green tea is generally 12 months, which can be extended to 18 months with sealed refrigeration. Huang Tea (2 years) Huang tea undergoes an additional "yellowing" process compared to green tea, experiencing mild fermentation. It is a unique category that finds beauty in its yellow hue. Its optimal tasting period is 2 years. White Tea (Long-term Storage) White tea is neither stir-fried nor…

Summer is hot, and many people are looking for drinks that can both cool them down and benefit their health. Tea is undoubtedly an excellent choice. Not only does it help the body cool down, but the various components in tea also help boost immunity and digestive function. Today, let's discuss which teas are best to drink in summer. 1. Green Tea Green tea is one of the most popular tea beverages in summer. It is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and enhance the body's self-healing ability. At the same time, green tea has a cooling effect. Whether it's Longjing, Biluochun, or Mao Feng, they all have a fresh aroma and a delicate taste, making them very suitable for drinking on hot summer days. Recommended Preparation: Do not steep for too long to avoid a too strong tea infusion. You can add some mint leaves to enhance the cooling sensation. 2. Chrysanthemum Tea Chrysanthemum tea has heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, as well as benefits for eye health, making it particularly suitable for summer consumption. Chrysanthemum tea not only tastes fragrant but also helps relieve eye fatigue, making it especially suitable for office workers who use computers for…

Summer is a good season to expel cold dampness from the body. As temperatures rise, the humidity in the air also increases. This can be more harmful for people with high levels of dampness. Do you know how to eliminate dampness? Here are some recommended teas for removing dampness during summer.Tea isn't medicine, but it's a great health drink. Although tea isn't medicine, different body types should choose different types of tea. For those with high levels of dampness, the choice of tea should also vary... What Are the Dangers of High Levels of Dampness? 1. When dampness in the body meets cold, it becomes cold-dampness; when it meets heat, it becomes damp-heat; and when it meets wind, it becomes wind-dampness. Under the skin, it leads to obesity. 2. If dampness remains in the body, one may experience loose stools and unformed feces regularly. The tongue will appear yellow with a greasy coating. 3. People with high levels of dampness feel lethargic all day, which affects their digestive function. They feel heavy in their head, limbs, and waist, as if something is wrapping around their body, making them lazy to move. 4. Those with high levels of dampness tend to…

1. Minbei Narcissus The original name of Narcissus was "Zhuxian," originating from the "Zhuxian Cave" on Yanyi Mountain in Dahan Village, Xiaohu Town, Ouning County (now Dahan Village, Shuigil Township, Jianyang City). It started during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty (1821 AD), and due to the local pronunciation where "Zhu" sounds like "Shui," it gradually became known as "Narcissus" or "Minbei Narcissus." According to "Records of Unusual Fujian Products," "In Ouning County's Liuda Lake, there is a type of tea with coarse, long leaves named Narcissus because its flavor resembles that of the Narcissus flower..." The new chronicles of Chong'an County record: "The mother tree of Narcissus is located beneath the Zhuxian Cave in Taotzigang, Dahan, Shuigil County (now part of Jianyang City). During the Daoguang period, a farmer surnamed Su discovered it and propagated it widely." Additionally, according to the Daoguang "Ouning County Annals," "Narcissus tea comes from Dayi Village (today Xiaohu Town), Dahan. There is a mountain called Yan Cha Shan, with the Zhuxian Cave on top. A man surnamed Xi Gan from Xiqian Factory, who worked in the tea business, occasionally went to the cave and found a tree that resembled tea but had an…

Photography by Donghua Huang China Tea Capital - Anxi Upon entering the China Tea Capital in Anxi, one is greeted by rows of tea shops, the air filled with the aroma of tea, and a dazzling array of teas including Tieguanyin, Dahongpao, Pu'er, Longjing, white tea, dark tea, and more—making it a true "Capital of a Hundred Teas Trade." Anxi, the birthplace of Chinese Oolong tea and the origin of the world-famous Tieguanyin, has leveraged its strengths to develop its tea industry, setting national records for tea plantation area, tea production, and per capita tea income, shedding its title as the "largest state-designated impoverished county." Photography by Guoping Chen However, this major tea-producing county once lacked a large-scale trading market, preventing farmers from directly connecting with domestic and overseas buyers, making it difficult to sell their tea. Photography by Donghua Huang In 2000, with the assistance of the provincial government, Anxi County raised 120 million RMB through auctions and leases, primarily from domestic and overseas sources, to build the China Tea Capital – Anxi National Tea Wholesale Market. After the market was established, transactions became active, and farmers' incomes increased. Photography by Ying Lin On the evening of October 15,…

Tea is one of the world's three major beverages. In addition to its fresh and fragrant taste, the rich substances it contains are also one of the reasons people enjoy drinking tea. As is well known, tea is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants with excellent antioxidant functions that can eliminate harmful free radicals, fight aging, resist radiation, and have antibacterial properties. But does drinking tea regularly really slow down the process of brain aging? Chinese scholars provide the answer. Addressing existing issues, they conducted extensive data analysis to arrive at more reliable conclusions. On November 21, 2023, a research paper titled "Tea consumption and attenuation of biological aging: A longitudinal analysis from two cohort studies" by Professor Zhao Xing's team from the School of Public Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University was published online in the prestigious international journal "The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific" (IF=7.1). The results show that regularly drinking tea can slow down the aging process, and drinking about 3 cups of tea or 6-8 grams of tea leaves per day may provide the most significant anti-aging effects. In this study, there were 13,929 participants, including 7,931 participants aged 30-79 from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) and…

Basic Introduction to Lancang Ancient TeaLancang is one of the original birthplaces of tea trees, the hometown of Pu'er tea, with a long and splendid tea culture. Within its borders lies the Jingmai Mangjing Ten Thousand Mu Ancient Tea Garden, which has been cultivated for over 1,300 years, as well as the thousand-year-old Bongwei Large Tea King Tree, a transitional type. The Jingmai Mangjing Ten Thousand Mu Ancient Tea Garden is the largest in area, longest in cultivation history, and relatively intact man-cultivated ancient tea garden discovered so far in China. It is hailed by scholars at home and abroad as a "World Tea Tree Museum" and a "Living Fossil of Tea Varieties."Today, tea production in Lancang has become a pillar industry for the local area, with a total tea area of 360,000 mu (approximately 24,000 hectares), including 28,000 mu (about 1,867 hectares) of ancient tea gardens. About 280,000 people in 68,000 households are engaged in tea cultivation and production, with an average tea income per household of 5,412 yuan. When reporters visited the ancient villages of the Lahu, Dai, and Bulang ethnic groups on Mount Jingmai, they saw tea gardens hidden beneath primeval forests. Villagers set up their tea…

As is well known, the advantage of purple clay teapots lies in tea brewing. What is the connection between them? Generally speaking, purple clay teapots are not picky about the type of tea; any kind of tea can be brewed using a purple clay teapot. However, how to best match the characteristics of the pot with those of the tea is a question worth studying. Brewing certain teas in specific pots can make the pot more lustrous and produce a richer, more fragrant infusion. 1. Crimson Clay Teapot 【Crimson Clay Teapot】usually has a high mesh count and a dense structure, which results in minimal loss of the aroma of highly aromatic teas. It enhances the tea's qualities by concentrating and enhancing its fragrance, making it an excellent companion for oolong teas. Crimson clay teapots are suitable for brewing highly aromatic teas such as Taiwanese high mountain teas and Tieguanyin from Anxi, effectively bringing out their aromatic properties. Teapots used to brew Tieguanyin often develop a particularly bright sheen due to the rich aromatic oils in the tea leaves. It should be noted that crimson clay has a very high shrinkage ratio and is prone to cracking due to thermal expansion…

What is Dancong Tea? Dancong tea, produced in the Fenghuang Mountain area of Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China, is a type of Oolong tea with distinctive local characteristics. It is renowned for its unique aroma and rich flavor, earning it the accolade of being the "cream of the crop" among teas. The name Dancong originates from the mother tree "Dancong," referring to a single tea plant, and its intricate production process makes it a premium tea. The Uniqueness of Dancong Tea What sets Dancong tea apart is primarily its aroma and taste. There are various aromatic types of Dancong tea, such as Orchid, Huangzhi, and Honey Orchid, each with its own distinct character. The tea-making process includes withering, shaking, fixation, rolling, and baking, each step requiring the skilled craftsmanship and extensive experience of the tea maker. Brewing Steps for Dancong Tea While Dancong tea boasts exceptional quality, the correct brewing method is essential to fully appreciate its unique flavors. Below are detailed brewing steps for Dancong tea. 1. Preparing the Tea Utensils Firstly, choosing suitable tea utensils is very important. Generally, a gaiwan or a purple clay teapot is the best choice for brewing Dancong tea. A gaiwan can better…

"I would rather abstain from alcohol all my life than go a single meal without tea." China’s tea culture has a long and rich history, and drinking tea has always been an essential part of maintaining health. However, there is a right way to drink tea. If you don't do it correctly, you may end up harming your stomach. The Tea Editor will now list some harmful tea-drinking habits that can severely damage your stomach. Let's see if you fall into any of these categories? 1 Habit of Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach Stomach-Damage Rating: ★★★★★ Drinking tea on an empty stomach is one of the most damaging tea-drinking habits! On an empty stomach, some active compounds in tea can bind with proteins in the stomach, stimulating it and easily causing harm. In addition to stimulating the stomach and intestines, drinking tea on an empty stomach dilutes digestive juices, affecting digestion. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, weakness in the limbs, mental confusion, and nausea. For those who do not regularly drink tea, especially when drinking strong tea on an empty stomach in the morning, these symptoms are more likely to occur. This phenomenon is medically referred to as "tea…